FlowSentry toilet water saver

ABSTRACT

FlowSentry is an apparatus designed to save water in a conventional operating toilet. When the level of water in a toilet tank drops ⅛ of an inch (absent a normal flush) FlowSentry alerts the user of the toilet, by way of an audible alarm, that the toilet is leaking water. FlowSentry only determines that the level of water in the tank has dropped or risen (in an overflow situation), it cannot diagnose the cause of the drop or rise in water level (i.e. leaking flapper, faulty overflow tube, etc.). During the normal flush process the Flow Sentry monitors the time it takes the tank to refill with water and determines if the supply valve has closed properly. If the water level fails to return to normal level in one minute or tank continues to fill exceeding normal level, a continuos audible alarm will sound until corrective action is taken or the 9V battery is exhausted.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

We have been unable to find any published information in our PatentSearch that concern inventions that relate to the invention presented inthis application.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention is a water saving device that detects water movement in atoilet's water tank, and by way of an alarm system, signals the userwhen such movement is caused by a malfunction of one of the objects inthe water tank. For example, when a toilet's flapper has failed, has aslow leak, or when the toilet's tank has an overflow situation, theFlowSentry will alert the user that there is a problem. There have beenseveral products designed to save water that concern the flapper, butthey do not accomplish the features that will be described in thisinvention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A primary object of this invention is to provide a device that detectswhen water runs continually after the toilet is flushed. By doing so,the device assists the user in saving water. It also provides the userwith a device with options that are not currently available.

An additional object is to be able to detect when water continues to runafter the toilet is flushed and if the supply valve fails to closeproperly.

Another object is that the device will detect when water is leaving thetank when the toilet is not in use.

Another object is that the device has an automatic battery check.

Another object is that all components of the device function out ofsight (completely enclosed in the toilet tank).

Another object is that the device can be installed in minutes with notools required.

Another object is that the device is designed to be water and moistureproof.

Another object is that the device is low voltage.

Another object is that the device is inexpensive.

Another object is that the device requires minor installationadjustments as to location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the FlowSentry's Main Deck.The diagram demonstrates the positioning of, the MOUNTING ARM, theFLOATING SENTRY RELAY HOUSING, the ON DELAY RELAY, the ALARM, theBATTERY CONTACTS, the SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR CONTACTS (C3A and C3B), andthe MAIN DECK (circuit board).

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing that demonstrates the SENTRY FLOATINGRELAY HOUSING FOUNDATION on the MAIN DECK. The SENTRY HOUSING is gluedon the foundation after the SENTRY FLOATING RELAY is installed with theCopper Plate side facing the Main Board.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective demonstrating front and rear viewsof the SENTRY FLOATING RELAY. The front view demonstrates thepositioning of the steel plate on the SENTRY FLOATING RELAY and facesthe magnetic float. Also, it fits snug against the inside housing. Therear view demonstrates the positioning of the copper contacts on theSENTRY FLOATING RELAY and faces the Main Deck. The SENTRY FLOATING RELAYfits snug against the Main Deck.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the FlowSentry mounted tothe overflow tube. The diagram also demonstrates the positioning of theSUPPLY VALVE MONITORING DEVICE (RELAY), the OVERFLOW TUBE, where thedevice is positioned in relation to the toilet's overflow line and tankfill line, and the magnetic guide and stop, as it relates to the SENTRYHOUSING. The diagram also shows the position of the MAGNETIC FLOAT ROD,the FLOAT, the FLOAT ROD GUIDES, and the position of the BATTERYHOUSING.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of FlowSentry's SUPPLY VALVEMONITOR RELAY. The diagram also demonstrates the positioning of thehinged float rod with float, with magnet attached to the float rod, thecontacts (2) that run to and from the MAIN DECK, the supply valve'sair-tight housing, the STEEL RELAY PLATE, and the ADJUSTABLE MOUNTINGCLIP.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a toilet water tank havingthe current invention installed therin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description of the drawings, similar reference characters willdenote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figuresillustrate the FlowSenty apparatus for use in a toilet that will attachto the overflow tube (see FIG. 6).

In the description of the drawings, the mounting arms will be noticed(see FIG. 1). The MOUNTING ARMS are stainless steel bands (½″×1/16″×4½″). The band will have a ⅛″ hole centered ½″ from right sidelengthwise and a ⅛″ hole centered 1″ from right side (lengthwise), torivit board to arm. Additionally, each band will have a 3/16″ centeredthreaded hole ⅜″ from the left side (lengthwise) and a 3/16″ centeredthreaded hole 2 11/16″ from left side (lengthwise), to mount unit to theoverflow tube with thumb-screws (wingnuts). (see FIG. 4)

In the description of the drawings, the MAIN DECK will be noticed. (seeFIG. 1). The MAIN DECK is a standard 3½″×2″ circuit board. Attached tothe circuit board (Main Deck), are the SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR RELAYS, theBATTERY CONTACTS, the ON DELAY RELAY, the ALARM, the FLOATING SENTRYRELAY HOUSING, the MOUNTING ARM, the BATTERY HOUSING, the MAIN FLOATASSEMBLY, and the ADJUSTABLE MAGNETIC SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR.

In the description of the drawings, the sentry housing will be noticed.As seen in FIG. 4, the sentry housing is 1¾″ in Height, ½″ Wide, ¼″depth (inside dimensions). The sentry housing is molded plastic with topopen, in order to adhere to main deck over housing foundation. It willbe mounted on housing. Two float rod guides will be installed (glued ormolded) on the face. The guides will be molded plastic ⅛″ thick with a¼″ opening (see FIG. 4—FLOATROD GUIDES {2}). They will be centered andaligned with one guide ¼″ from bottom of housing the other guide ⅝″ fromthe top of the housing. This will allow the FLOAT ROD to move down ½″(⅜″ max drop for sentry relay. The FLOAT ROD will be a round plasticrod, 1⅝″ long, with a diameter of 3/16″. This rod will have a floatattached on the lower end, and a permanent magnetic attached to the topend (FIG. 4—Permanent Magnetic Stop). The magnet will be a disk with adiameter of ½″.

In the description of the drawings, the SENTRY FLOATING RELAY (outsidedimensions) will be noticed (see FIG. 3). The dimensions are 1¾″×15/32″× 15/64″. This will be molded plastic block. On one side (outsideface) a steel plate (¼″×½″× 1/16″) will be molded lengthwise flush withthe top of the block and flush with the surface of the outside face (seeFIG. 3—Steel Plate). On the other side (inside face), a copper plate(⅜″× 3/16″× 1/16″) will be molded lengthwise down the top left hand sideof the block flush with the top, the left edge and with the surface ofthe inside face (see FIG. 3—Copper Contact Relay 2). Another copperplate ( 3/16″× 3/16″× 1/16″) in the top right hand corner of the blockflush with the top, the right edge and with the surface of the insideface (see FIG. 3—Copper Contact Relay 1). This will leave a ⅜″× 3/16″rectangular copper surface top left side of the block and a ⅜″×⅜″ squarecopper surface in the top right hand corner of the block.

In the description of the drawings, the contacts will be noticed (seeFIG. 2). Contacts C1A, C1B, C2A and C2B are copper discs with a diameterof ⅛″ and a thickness of 1/32″. Contact C1A is embedded on the main deckin the upper left hand corner just within the housing foundation. It isflush with the surface of the MAIN DECK. Contact C1B is installed in thesame manner, ¼″ directly below contact C1A. Contact C2A is installed inthe same manner on the right hand side of the foundation directly acrossfrom C1B. Contact C2B is installed ¼″ below Contact C2A. (see FIG.2—C1A, C1B, C2A, C2B).

In the description of the drawings, the BATTERY HOUSING will be noticed(see FIG. 4—Battery Housing mounted on back of main deck). The BATTERYHOUSING is an open faced, molded rectangular container measuring 2½″ inlength, 1⅛″ in width, and is ⅝″ in depth. It is mounted on the back ofthe MAIN DECK on a secured closed cell foam rubber pad. It is held inplace by two spring retainer clips. The BATTERY CONNECTOR is a standard,commercially available snap on connector. It is soldered to the MAINDECK (see FIG. 1—Battery Contacts).

In the description of the drawings, the SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR RELAYHOUSING will be noticed (see FIG. 5). The SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR RELAYHOUSING is a hollow container with inside measurements of Length 10 MM,Width 5 MM, and Depth 3 MM. This container has two small holes drilledthrough the bottom surface. One centered on the left side and the otheron the right (to pass wires to contacts on the Main Deck). (see FIG.1—C3A and C3B).

Inside the SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR RELAY HOUSING is an unattached beveledsteel plate measuring 9.9 MM by 2.9 MM and is 1 MM thick (see FIG.5—Steel Relay Plate). Inside SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR RELAY HOUSING, thereare also 2 circular copper contacts that are 1 MM thick with a diameterof 2 MM. These contacts are anchored to the floor of the container. Oneis on the right side and one is on the left side. A separate single wire(12″ long) is soldered to each contact and is passed out through holesin the container for soldering to the Main Deck (see FIG. 1—C3A andC3B). The holes are then sealed. One of these wires is soldered tocontact C3A, while the other wire is soldered to contact C3B on MAINDECK (wires not shown). There is a socket on the top of this container(left side Center) to attach the HINGED FLOAT ROD with float to theSUPPLY VALVE MONITOR RELAY HOUSING (see FIG. 5). There are 2 posts onthe right edge outside corners. These posts are mounted perpendicular tothe top of the housing corners and serve as float rod guides (see FIG.5—Secondary Float Guides).

There is one small stainless steel alligator clip attached to the SUPPLYVALVE MONITOR RELAY HOUSING (see FIG. 5—Adjustable Mounting Clip). Thiswill allow the unit to be attached to the MAIN BOARD at variouspositions. Also, there is a 45 MM stainless steel rod with a mountingeye on one end and a float on the other end (see FIG. 5—Hinged Float Rodwith Float/Secondary Float). The rod has a 45-degree downward bend 6 MMfrom the mounting eye. There is a permanent magnet (see FIG. 5—SecondaryMagnet) attached to the float rod. This magnet is 5 MM in length, 2 MMin width, and is 2 MM thick. It is attached diagonally to the rod 3 MMfrom the mounting eye.

The PERMANENT MAGNETIC STOP (see FIG. 4—Permanent Magnet Stop) affixedto the top of the float rod (see FIG. 4—Plastic Float Rod) mounted onthe exterior of the FLOATING SENTRY HOUSING (see FIG. 4—Sentry Housing)controls the movement of the FLOATING RELAY (see FIG. 3) inside theFLOATING SENTRY HOUSING by way of the metal plate on the relay (see FIG.3—Steel Plate). As the float drops ⅛″ the FLOATING RELAY drops ⅛″closing contacts C1A and C1B (see FIG. 2—C1A & C1B) by way of CopperPlate on relay (see FIG. 3—Copper Contact Relay 1) which activates theALARM (see FIG. 4—Alarm). As the float continues to drop, another ⅛″contacts C1A and C1B are opened and alarm is deactivated from thesecontacts. This second drop has now closed contacts C2A and C2B (FIG.2—C2A & C2B) by way of Copper Plate on relay (see FIG. 3—Copper ContactRelay 2) which activates the ON DELAY RELAY (see FIG. 4—On Delay Relay).Output from the ON DELAY RELAY is wired directly to the ALARM (see FIG.4—Alarm), if contacts C2A and C2B are still closed after one minute(adjustable), the ALARM will be activated. The ALARM will remainactivated until contacts C2A and C2B are opened by float rising,corrective action taken or battery is exhausted.

The float on the SUPPLY VALVE MONITORING RELAY (see FIG. 5—SecondaryFloat) normally will hang in space. The PERMANENT MAGNET DISK (see FIG.5—Secondary Magnet) affixed to the arm of the stainless steel float rodon the SUPPLY VALVE MONITORING RELAY (see FIG. 5—Hinged Float Rod) keepsa steel plate (FIG. 5—Steel Relay Plate) from closing contacts (see FIG.5—Contacts (2) from/to Main Board) in this unit. When the water in atank rises enough to cause the float (FIG. 5—Secondary Float) to move up½″ the magnet (see FIG. 5—Secondary Magnet) will drop the steel plate(see FIG. 5—Steel Relay Plate) causing contacts from MAIN BOARD toclose. (see FIG. 5—Contacts (2) From Main Board). This drop will closecontacts C3A and C3B (see FIG. 1—C3A & C3B). Contact C3B is wireddirectly to ALARM (see FIG. 4—Alarm) and will activate the ALARM. Thisalarm will continue until corrective action is taken or battery isexhausted. When the situation is corrected, the magnet will grab thesteel plate (see FIG. 5—Steel Relay Plate) contacts C3A and C3B will beopen and alarm will be deactivated from these contacts.

1. The FlowSentry is for use in a toilet of the type having a tank, aflush port, a valve seat, an overflow tube, and a flush handle. Saidapparatus is mounted on the overflow tube in the air space between theupper level of the water in the tank and the tank cover. The flowsentry,is comprised of a stainless steel mounting arm, a main deck which is acircuit board on which is mounted an ALARM, a 9-volt battery, an ONDELAY RELAY, A water tight housing for the FLOATING RELAY assembly, afloat attached to a float rod, mounted on the exterior of the housing,the floating relay within its housing and a remote supply valve monitorrelay.
 2. The FlowSentry described in claim 1, has a float attached to aFLOAT ROD ASSEMBLY. The purpose of the FLOAT ROD ASSEMBLY is to detect adrop in the normal water level.
 3. The FLOAT ROD ASSEMBLY, as describedin claim 2 is used to detect when the water in the toilet tank fails toreach its proper level or moves from its proper level. When the waterdoes not reach its desired level after the toilet is flushed or leavesits desired level (thus detecting that the toilet is leaking), the FLOATROD ASSEMBLY sends a signal to the SENTRY HOUSING, which in turninitiates the alarm sequence.
 4. The signal sent to the SENTRY HOUSING,as described in claim 3, is initiated when there is an occurrence ofdownward movement of ⅛″. When this happens, the SENTRY RELAY sends twoseparate signals to the ALARM. One signal goes directly to the ALARM.The second signal goes to the ALARM via a one minute ON DELAY RELAY.During a normal flush operation, a split second alarm will sound,indicating that the device is working and that the battery isfunctional.
 5. In the event of a silent or slow leak, the first signalsent to the ALARM will last for the time interval it takes for the waterlevel to drop another ⅛″. The ON DELAY RELAY is now also receiving asignal and within 1-minute, if still active, will sound a full alarm. 6.The FlowSentry also has a SUPPLY VALVE MONITOR that detects when thesupply valve fails to close properly and water is entering the overflowtube from the toilet tank. In this situation (an overflow in the toilettank), an alarm will sound until corrective action is taken or thebattery is exhausted.
 7. The FlowSentry described in the above claimscan be utilized in any conventional household or commercial toilet andprovides the ability to alert the toilet's owner when the toilet isleaking, thereby compelling the owner of the toilet to take correctiveaction. By doing so, the owner of the toilet will save water.